Centralized lubrication



Juiy 30, 1935. J, BUUR 2,009,429

CENTRALIZED LUBRICATION Filed April 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR Jbsepli fly'ar BY ORNEYS Juiy 30, 1935. J. BlJUR 2,009,429

CENTRALIZED LUBRICATION Filed Ap ril 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IINVENTOR 65 ATTORNEYS .Fufiy 39, 1935. BUUR 2,009,429

CENTRALIZED LUBRICATION Filed April 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 July 30, 1935'. BUUR 2,009,429

7 CENTRALIZED LUBRICATION Filed April 26, 1929 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 i gm? Ill/III ATTORNEYS Patented July 30, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE,

: 2,009,429 CENTRALIZED LUBRICATION Joseph Bijur, New York, N'. Y;, assignor to Auto Research Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application April 26, 1929, Serial No. 358,221 58* Claims. (01. 184-4) My present invention though applicable .in By the present invention, the lubricant for a other relations is exemplified in the lubrication Steering knuckle or other movable. structure is of the bearings on a motor vehicle steering axle delivered from a drip plug or from another flow embodying brakes of the axle post type.; metering device, through restricted or substan- It is an object of the invention to provide an tially. filled bores in the axle, king pin or other 5 arrangement for supplying the'desired amounts fixed structure extending to a relatively eleof lubricant from acommon inlet at the axle vatedpart thereof, from which the lubricant to various bearings, of or on the axle end that proceeds and divides by gravity flow. The entry I require lubrication, and more particularly an to the king pin or other fixed mount for the arrangement in which saidinlet maybe a drip moving structure takes place across the tightened ,10

plug orvother flow controlling outlet of a cenor loaded surface of contact thereof with the tralized pressure lubricating system from which axle or other mount. a

various bearings on the chassis are lubricated In the lubrication of motor vehicle steering concurrently with the axle, all from a common axles, embodying brakes of the axle post type,

source. I

Another object is to provide a construction of fixed with respect to the axle and to divide the the above type devoid of swinging or: flapping lubricant'for. delivery therefrom tothe respective conduits apt to whip or break, or of swivels apt keyed pivot mounts of the knuckleand of the to loosen or jam or of protuberances apt to be brakelever, by entry thereto at parts firmly it is a feature to admit the lubricant at a part injured or broken 01f in traflic. pressed against the axle. Restrictions or obgo- Another object is to provide a construction in structions are. provided for the respective dividwhich the above results are accomplished by the ing conduits to proportion or divide the lubrimere provision of fittings, bores, andconduits cant between the-knuckle pivot and the brake easily applied to axle, knuckle or brake construcpivot.

tions as conventionally used, and without further In a preferred embodiment to this end the axle g5,

modification thereof. web is provided with a longitudinal bore therein Another object is to provide an arrangement connecting the knuckle and the brake pivot pin. of the above type in which the leak or loss of The inlet fitting communicates with said bore at oil at a loose bearing or joint is obviated and a part between the ends thereof and the bore 39 water and dirt are excluded from the path of preferably has a restriction pin therein which lubricant fiow. determines the division of lubricant to the re- Other objects will be in part obvious during spective pivot mounts. The bore in the axle may the course of the following specification and will be arranged tofeed into the respective mounts be in part pointed out therein. I V at the sides thereof diametrically opposite the While the lubricant may be supplied in any lock keys Where, or in the alternative, in one or manner it is preferably supplied from one of both cases the lubricant may be fed transversely various drip plugs or other flow controlling out,- into and through the lock keys both sides of lets of a centralized lubricating system of the which are under pressure or load. V intermittent or shot feed type suchas specifically The division of lubricant after admission to disclosed in the drawings of my prior. Patent the king pin'orknuckle, may be accomplished 40 1, o June 14, 1927- The Present v naccording to the teachings of my prior British tion provides a more general solution forreliably Patent No, 254,655 or in any equivalent manner. delivering and distributing the lubricant even The king pin may be provided with a longitudie from a continuous feedsystem such as is shown nal upstanding bore filled with oil, so that lubriin Patents Nos. 1,732,212 and 117%,139 to various cantireadily reaches the top thereof, and dividing bearings on a pivoted or swivelled part; conduits may drain from the top to the various To supply the small amounts of lubricant reknuckle bearings directly, or by way of the bear quired by an automobile chassis. and no great ing of the brake cam stub shaft which wouldthus excess thereof, under continuous feed throughout be lubricated in transit. The king pin may also in) running of the vehicle, the delivery must beat be pmvided'with an Overflow p from h extremely slow rate. At such slow rate of feed, top to deliver downwardto the lower king pin (as distinguished from the more rapid shot feed) bearing. 7 lubricant reaching even a slight drainingcrevice In another embodiment separate drip plugs in its course of flow might leaktherethrough and may be employed one to feed into the king pin never reach the bearings. i and the other to. the brake post; These dripshown)- alsoa drag link bearing arm I85 knuckle'is also-provided'withabrake shield l8 bearings.-

plugs may be supplied from a dividing T fitting, the stem of which constitutes the common inlet therefor. In a specific embodiment one of the drip plugs may serve as the support for the T dividing fitting, a pipe leading from the other end of the T arm to the other drip plug.

In a preferred construction the supporting drip plug feedsinto the king pin and the conduit feeds into the upper endof the brake post. Excess lubricant from the brake post may be drained through an oblique bore near the lower part of the bearing thereof downward to the lower hearing of the king pin.

In the accompanying drawings in which are.

shown one or more of various-possible. embodiments of the several features of this invention,

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view of an axle, show ing parts in longitudinal cross-section,

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view taken on;

line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3-15 an elevationpartlyinsection showing one arrangement for supplying lubricant tolth'e knuckle bearings,

Fig. l -is a sectional view of adetailof: Fig." 3.,

"Fig. 5'-is aview in longitudinal cross-section of a modification;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectionalview taken on line 6'-6 of Fig. 5; i

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. l of analternative embodiment, and

Fig. 8 is a-fragmentary-sectional view taken on line 88 of Fig. 7. p 7

Referring now to 'Figs. l to 4' of the drawings the :brake post type axle l0" there shown has a king pin ll through the eyethereof' aiiixed in place by atransverselock key 421. The axle is sustained-upon athrust bearing- I3 illustratively aball 'bearing'resting on the lowerclevis I4 ofthe steering knuckle l5} which"clevis pivots-on the lower end ofthe king pinythe upper end of which provides acorresponding bearing for the upper jaw ie'o-f the knuckle'clevis. The steeringknuckle illustratively has atie rodarm- IT and (in the left-hand knuckle illustratively The having a'bearing 20 thereonthrough which'extends the stub shaft 2i of the brake cam= (not shown) Near the king pin and preferably parallel thereto is a-brake'postor pivot pin Z'Laffixed in the axle by meansof a-lock key 23', the upper end thereof affording a bearing for the hub 24 0f a-brake lever 2-5.- The outer end of the brake --'lever"has="a ball bearing in a socket 2 1 at the end of'a rod -2'8-affixed at its opposite end to an arm 29 The construction thus 'Intheembodimentof Figs. 1 to' l the lubricant is admitted'to the axle end through an approwith other drip-plugs which-feed otherparts or tively tothe king pin I land to the brake post'Z'lZ To avoidleak'or loss of lubricant in transit fromthe axle, admission is efie'cted at a loaded' or tightened partofthe respective pin'and post;

1;" wedgedagainst the axle. The loaded surface;

The drip plug communicates with abore3'l generally longitudinally of the axle webl I! and delivering at its opposite ends-respec' of the king pin in the specific embodiment shown being at the outermost part, the bore 3| extends obliquely and laterally of the king pin, and connects with a short bore 33 at an angle thereto, which extends tangentially of the loaded side of the king pin. The extremities of the bores 3| and 33 are plugged respectively at 3P and 33 to formthe L shapedconduit shown.

The brake post as shown ispreferably provided with a radial bore 34 communicating with the extremity of the axle bore 3|, bore 34 in turn communicating with an axial bore 35 from the uppers'endiof the brake post and plugged at its outer endas at. 35 Aradial bore 35 near the upper endioffsaidbore 3'5" delivers lubricant therefrom to the upperend of the encircling hub 24 of the brake lever. In order to facilitate the climbing or rise of lubricant from the radial bore 34 to the brake post bearing, the bore 35 is substantially filled with a pin or rod 31 bent to remain'zin place. The lubricant escaping through here 36': to:the"hub:bearing 24'; of course spreads downward to-lubricate the entire length'oi said bearing.

To-determinethe division of lubricant from the commoninlet fitting 30: to the kingpin I'l and brake post-22'respectively, flow dividing and proportioning means is provided, in this instance illustratively arod or pin 38. nearly filling the longitudinal bore in the axle. The division of lubricant will accordinglytake place inproportions varyinginversely with the resistance of the respectivecoiu'ses at the opposite sides of. the drip plug 39; The resistance of the outlet be tween bore 36 and hub 34 restricts emission to.

the brake post so that the latter receives considerably less lubricant than doesthe king pin which'of course requires more lubricant; if: re-

quired the length-of' bore 31 betweendrip plug 30 and king pin 11 may be of larger diameter thantherest of its-length to increase still furthen the proportion of lubricant to the king pin.

The'lubricantentering theking pin from tangential bore 33 maybe delivered to such of' the knucklebea'rings-as it is desired to lubricate therefrom, or to all of such bearings, according to any: of various possible arrangements, illustratively according to that for-instance of Fig. 4 of 'my prior- British Patent No. 254,655.

In thev present embodiment the king pin I 'lis shown with an axial bore 49 ofsubstantial diameter A or more, extending downward from the upper end to near: the lower end thereof. The bore 40 has a step or: shoulder 4| at which is bot'- tomed a thin waliedtube 42 extending up to near the top of'the king pin and'the bore has another stepor-shouldier- 43' determining a narrow cylin drical-jaeket or space within-the king pinand' at the exterior of the-tube 42; The step 43'is just below the tangential b'ore 33'f1om which aradial bore' 44' inthe king pin feeds lubricant to the jacket.

The tube'43 andthe length of king pin bore Mfitherebelow are nearly filled witharod or pin 45 extending substantially 'the length thereof. The lower bearingor bushing 414s supplied with oil from thelower extremity of the bore 40 below-thefilling'rod and below the upper endof' the pivot bearing 41, air. escaping by displacementupward'alongtsaid'bushing; Several radial bores 48' through the. king pin extend outward to the:bushing14 'i whichhas a groove 49 to accommodate. and: spread thelubricant along the bearing: surface thereof.

Thesealing plug 59 at the lower extremity otthezlower bushing 47 has a-" central aperture 5| further to preclude air blocking. 1

In the knuckle construction as thus far described lubricant fed through radial bore 44 fills the cylindrical jacket'about tube 42 and overrest of the lubricant overflows from the cylindrical jacket outward to the upper king pin bushing 47', from which excess is in turn drained outward 'to supply the other bearings of the knuckle such as the tie rod, drag link, brake cam and any other bearings generically designated knuckle control bearings.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 the overflow from thekingpin occurs through an outlet fitting in a boss 56 on the upper knuckle clevis jaw l6. In" that embodiment the lubricant is conveyed in the first instance to the brake cam rock shaft bearing 2| from which in turn lubricant'is passed by overflow or drainage to the tie rod bearing, the drag link bearing or both.-

The fixedcam stub. shaft bearing 20 has a lateral inlet socket 60 to which the lubricantvis con.- veyed from outlet .55 by a connecting outlet conduit 6| which for convenience of installation is flexible. The bearing has a lower outlet or draining socket 62 from which lubricant that has wet the bearing surface thereof is drained onward to the tie rod or to both the tie rod and drag link bearings. The division of lubricant to the latter bearings may be effected according to the teachings of my British patent above identified in order to avoid air blocking, or siphoning from a higher to a lower bearing or other cause for'inaccuracy of division. I

In the specific embodiment shown the dividing means-comprises a metal pipe length 63 extending generally along the tie rod bearing to thecorresponding ball stud 64 and a metal pipe length 65 extending generally, along the drag link bearing to the corresponding ball stud 57. To each bearing emission is effected through a system comprising a longitudinal bore 69, and radial bores I0 as shown." .The upper ends of the pipes 63 and 65 extend vertically in contiguity to each other, and lubricant is admitted to both of them through a single feed pipe H from the drain socket 62. The division from the feed pipe to the two dividing pipes 63 and 55 is in this embodiment effected by a pair of wicks l2 and 13 the upper ends of which are tightened in pipe H, the lower ends of which extend into the upper ends of the respective pipes 63 and 535. To. maintain the pipes assembled a coupling piece 15 is soldered at its neck about feed pipe H and at its bifurcated belled or lower end 16 about the two upstanding dividing pipe ends. The feed pipe H and the dividing pipes 63 and 65 may be a preassembled unit and are readily installed upon the knuckle by'applying the upper end of feed pipe H to socket 62 by means of nut 62' and-extending the pipes 63 and 55 along the respective arms and lashing them thereto and applying the extremitiesthereof to the respective ball studs. The main length of feed pipe 1| and the upper lengths of the pipes 63 and 55 are of fairly large bore to allow air and oil to pass about each other, thus precluding siphoning or air blocking.

Theqlubrican't passing through conduit 8| will first lubricate brake bearing 20-and then cascade into feed pipe II, the slow feed from which drips upon both of the contiguous upper wick ends 12 and 13. The wickscontrol the desired division,

the drippings therefrom passing respectively to the tie rod and drag link bearings.

Obviously if it is desired not to lubricate the rock stub shaft for the brake cam, from the distributing system, feed pipe H would be connected directly from the outlet 55 to the dividing coupling 15 as in my British patent. 7

Especially in a continuous feed system it is desirable tofill all of the voids with lubricant before putting thesystem into service, so that the delay in supplying thesmall amount of lubricant necessary to fill the various rising passages before overflow could occur, is obviated. In Figs. 5 and 6 is shown a modification in the axle construction for admission of lubricant to the. king pin. Instead of feeding the lubricant about the king pin'tothe loaded side thereof as in Figs. 1 and 2, admission is effected directly into the king pin H by way of the lock key I2 both sides of which are of course wedged and therefore lubricant tight." As shown in Figs. 5 and 6 the oblique wedged side of the locking pin l2 contacts a flat on the king pin, and the bore 82 in the axle registers with transverse bore 8| in the lock key !2 which in turn registers with radial bore 44' in the king pin. The lock keys are at the same level as the lubricant inlets to the respective king pin and brake post, thereby providing a particularly tight lubricant inlet thereto. The. construction is otherwise the same as that of Figs. 1 and 2 and need therefore not be described more fully.

Corresponding parts are designatedby the same numerals primed in Figs. 5 and 6.

In the embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8 the lubricant is shown supplied from a conduit 85 along the axle and delivering into the stem 85 of a T fitting 81. The T fitting is connected to a boss 88 on the axle by means of a drip plug 89 which controls the entry of lubricant to the knuckle and in addition serves as the mount for the T fitting 81.

v The other arm SOof. the T fitting is connected by terminal 90 to a pipe 9! thevextremity of which is afiixedto the upper end of thebrake post 22 by means of a drip plug 92 which controls the admission of lubricant to the latter. 7

The. lubricant from the drip plug 89 is admitted to the king pin preferably as 'in the embodiment of Fig. 1 by way of a'bore 93 tangential of the loaded or wedged side of said kingpin, the

king pin having a radial bore 94 for admission thereinto. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the king pin is bored only at its upper part 95 while the main or lower part of the length thereof is imperforate. The lubricant rises in bore 55 the effective volume of which is reduced preferably by a filling pin 96 retained therein by bending as shown, and overflow from the upper end of the bore to bushing 91 to the tie rod, drag link or other bearings on the knuckle may be accomplished as in the embodiment of Fig. 3 and is therefore not here shown.

Thelubricant admitted to the brake post 22 throughdrip plug 92 passes on into an axial bore drains downward along the king pin to the lower bushing 91' thereof. A helical, groove l02'may. be provided about the lower end of the king pin ,7

for facilitating the spread of lubricant about the bushing 91. The lower closure plug Hl4 of the lower king pin bearing is preferably apertured as at Hi5 to prevent airblocking.

his to be understood that there may be many changes and modifications made in the construc' tion and'the arrangement of the details of my in- ,vention without departingfrom the scope thereof, and I intendto include all such variations as fall within the scope of the appendedclaims in this application, in which only. thepreferred forms of my invention have been disclosed.

The invention'of the present application is ap-' plicable to mechanisms other than those'assothan those which are supportedfrom an axle,

andthat the expression brake post utilized in the accompanying claims includes other brake pivot support'inembers associated with the brake actuating mechanism.

As shown in the present application the king pin-is fixed in the supporting member resiliently connected to the frame, but it is to be understood that such king pin. may be fixed in respect to other members or may be constituted other than as a single element as shown.

I claim:

1; Amotor vehicle of the type having a knuckle, a'king pin therefor, a brake post near said king in and a brake operating lever pivoted uponsaid post; a lubricant inlet carried by apart of the vehicle and'conduit means extending from said inlet and delivering tothe king pin-and to the brake post. I I

2. Means for lubricating a king pin and abrake post; said means including a lubricant inlet and a passageway establishing communication from said inletwith the bearing surface of said king pin and said brake post:

3. In a motor vehicle of the type including a knuckle having a king pin pivot, a brake post near said knuckle, and'a brake'lever having a bearing on'said post; the combination therewith of a lubricant inlet nearsaid knuckle, distributing conduit means supplied from said inlet and leading to both the bearing of said knuckle and the bearing of said brake-post, and'means governing thedivision-of the lubricant to the respective bearings.

l. In a motor vehicle of the type including a knuckle, a brake lever post near said knuckle, a brake lever having a bearing on said post, a lubricant inlet fitting contiguous to said knuckle, passageways leading'from said inlet respectively tothe pivot bearing surface'of said knuckle and to the bearing surface of said brake post, and flow restriction means proportioning the division of lubricant to the respective bearings.

5. Ina vehicle of the type'includi'ng a knuckle having a king pin pivot, a brake post near said knuckle, and a brake lever having a bearing on said'post; the combination therewith of a lubricant inlet between the king pin and the brake post,

a bore leading respectively to-said king pin and tosaid brake post and in'communication with the bearingsurfacesof'thelatter, the segments of saidhere being proportioned to determine the division of lubricant from-said inlet to the respectivebearings.

6.- In; a; motorrvehicle: of: the; typev including a; knuckle having a king pin pivot, a brake post, near; said knuckle, abrakenlever havinga bearing on said post;: the combination therewith of? a pivotedsteeringknuckl'e; a brake post-.near said:

pivot; and transversepins retaining-the knuckle. pivot and the brake post in-position, each determining a loaded 'and' an: unloaded: contact area, said post presenting a =protruding length forming; a pivot for. the brake lever; the combination ;there-.-- with of; means for delivering. lubricant: to the: pivot'and to thebrakepost, saidmeans comprising. a bore communicating at one'end through the loaded contact areazwith the pivot: bearing. of the knuckle-and atthe-other end through'the loaded: contact, area withrthe brake post and; a lubricant inlet in said:axle communicating-with; said bore between: theends thereof.

8. In a. lubricatedimechanism, the combination of a structure part, a pivot. member therein,.a transverse key locking saidxpivot member-in place: and means for supplying: lubricant to abearing surface of said pivot: member, said means comprising a lubricant inlet in-said structure partat the'side of said key and'said structure part. having a passage therealong leading fromrsaidz inlet to the side of said pivotlmemben substantially opposite said key."

9. In a lubricated mechanism the combination! of a structure part, a pivotf post therein; iaitransverse key affixing said post in place. andialubricant inlet in said structure part atlltheside of said post opposite said key, saidrstructure part having a bore. therein leading into said: post through the loadedface thereof substantlallyropposite saidkey.

10." In a lubricated structure,-a pivot posttherein, a transverse key affixingsaidlpost, a lubricant inletin said structure at the side thereof adjacent said key and abore in said structure having a first segment extending laterally of, said post and a second segment at: an angle theretdand-Z througlrthe loaded surface of saidpost opposite said key.

1-1. Ina vehicle of the type'having'aklng pin keyed-thereinto,- a brake pest near said king pin, said brake post having aprotruding bearing leng'thfor a' brake lever; the combination therewith-of means for delivering lubricant: into said kingpin and-into said brake post; said means' comprising a bore system-consisting in part of a: bore betweensaid pin=and-said post, said system: communicating atone end with the loaded side of theking pin diametrically opposite the lockkey therefor, and communicating at theother end with the loaded'surface ofthe brake pivot" for lubricating: the: respective;- mechanisms; said;

means comprising a single inlet fitting in said structure near one of said pivot mounts and a bore through said structure communicating from said inlet to the respective pivot mounts, means for controlling the-division of lubricant from the inlet through the respective mounts and means associated with the respective mechanisms for controlling the division of lubricant to therespective bearings thereof.

13. A mechanical structure of the type having a pair of adjacent mechanisms thereon, each hav ing a pivot mount aifixed in said structure, means locking said mounts in place and pressing or loading the surface thereof against the structure, an inlet between said pivot mounts, conduit means leading from said inlet to the respective mechanisms, the transmission of lubricant between the support structure and the respective pivot mounts being across the loaded surfaces thereof.

14. In a motor vehicle axle of the type having a fixed king pin, a knuckle provided with bearings pivoted thereon and a fixed brake post near said king pin; the combination therewithof means for lubricating said knuckle bearings and said brake post, said means comprising a lubricant inlet near said post, means feeding lubricant from said inlet into said king pin; means conveying lubricant from said king pin to the knuckle bearings, means feeding'lubricant from saidinlet into said brake post, and means proportioning the flow of lubricant from said inlet to the king pin and to the brake post respectively.

15. In a motor vehicle comprising a fixed king pin, a steering knuckle thereon, brake mechanism including a brake post and having an upstanding bearingfor a lever arm; ,means for lubricating said brake post and the various bearings of said knuckle from a common source, said means comprising a lubricant inlet fitting between the king pin and the brake post, a flow controlling passage from said fitting communicating at one end with the king pin and at the other with the brake post, said conduit comprising a bore registering at its ends respectively with an inlet in the king pin and an inlet in the brake post, said king pin having a passageway feeding admitted lubricant upward therefrom and means for dividing and conveying the lubricant from the upper end of the king pin tovarious bearings on the knuckle.

16. A motor vehicle having a king pin fixed therein, a brake post fixed therein, said king pin and said brake post having longitudinal lubricant conveying passages therein of small effective lubricant containing volume, a longitudinal passage communicating at its ends respectively with the longitudinal passages of said king pin and said brake post, a lubricant inlet communicating with said first passage, and vflow restriction means in said first passage governing the division of lubricant from said inlet respectively to the king pin and to the brake post. 7

17. In a motor vehicle, the combination of a king pin, a transverse locking key, a lubricant inlet near said locking key and means for delivering lubricant from said inlet to said king pin, said means comprising a bore and continuing transversely through the locking key and into said king pin.

18. In a motor vehicle, a king pin, and a brake post therein, transverse locking keys securing said members in position, a lubricant inlet fitting between said king pin' and said brake post, a longitudinal bore, said bore extending transversely through one of said locking keys intowthe-corree sponding locked member and extending into the other of said locked members at, the side thereof opposite its locking key. v 1; i

19. In a vehicle of the type having a fixed king pin therein, means for feedinglubricant transtween said bearings, said means including a=pair of conduits leadingto the respective control-bearings and means dividing the lubricantbetween saidconduits theupper ends of said conduits being contiguous and substantially vertical,means feeding lubricant to said-conduits, said pmeans comprising a pair of wicks retained adjacent each other at their upper. ends and drooping intogthe upper ends of the respective conduits,

21. A lubricant distributor tosupply the tierod and drag link bearings 'ofa steering knuckle, said distributor having an inlet for applicationnear the upper end of the ,knucklaasupply pipeextending downward therefrom, a pair ,ofdividing pipes leading to the respective tie. rod anddrag link bearings and extending parallel and contiguous to each other at their upper'ends; a coupling piece retaining the lower end of. said supply pipe and the upper ends of saiddividing pipes in registry with each other, and apair of shortwicks clamped at theirupper ends into the, lower end of said supply pipe and drooping into theupper ends of the respective dividing pipes.-.

22. A steering knuckle of the type having ta king pin pivot mount, a control. bearing,- aibrake shield, a brake-rock shaft throughpsaid Ishield, having a bearing fixed at'said shield,'-means for feeding lubricantto the respective bearings said means comprising a lubricant delivery fitting near .the upper end of said king. pin; a conduit leading from the latter to said brake shaftbearing, a drain outlet near the lower part of said'bearing anda conduit connectedfrom the latter-to ,thecon.- trolbearing. 11.. -11;

23. A vehicle of the type comprising a king pin, a steering knuckle thereon having a tierodand a drag link bearing, a brake shield: a ,brakecam stub shaft therethrough having a bearing above the tie rod and drag link; the combination therewith of means for lubricating said various bear:- ings, said means comprisinga lubricant inlet,

means conveying lubricant from said=inletto the,

upper-end of saidqknuckle, aconduit alongusaid knuckle extending from said upper end .to apart of said brake shaft bearing, an-outlet--fromsaid bearing draining'from the bearing-surfacelthereof, a dividingfittingsupplied from said" outlet, and conduits extending along the knuckle delivering from the respective branches of said-dividing fittingtothe tie rod and-drag link bearings.

24. In a vehicle of the type comprising a knuckle having apivot mount,ja brakefpo st affixed near said pivot mount, means for supplying lubricant to the upper bearing of said knuckle and to said brake post, said means comprising a jlu' bricant inlet, dividing conduits one, ,leadinjgQfrom said inlet to the upper part of the knucklefpivot. bearing, the otherleading to the bearingsurf let fitting; means feeding lubricant from said inlet to the upper king pin bearing, means feeding lubricant from-saidinlet to the brake post bearing, saidmeans having associated obstructions for proportioning theoil therebetween, anda bore extending" obliquely through said axle from the lowerpart 'of said brake post bearing to the lower king-pin bearing to drain lubricant from theformerto supply the latter.

26; In avehicle of the type including a king pin rigidly afiixed therein, a knuckle having an upper and alowerpivotbearing on the corresponding ends of said king-pin, a" brake post near said king pin-and having a-protruding upper bearing end; the combination therewith of an inlet fitting communicating with the king pin, a conduit from said fitting leading upward into the upper end of the brake post and passageways in said brake post delivering. lubricant to the bearing surface leading from said branches respectively laterally m oneof said pins-and through the upper end of theotherlof said pinsand restriction devices near the respective pinsfor proportioning the division oilubrican-t therebetween from the common inlet. V

28: A vehicle (of the typeincluding a king pin rigidly ailixed therein, a knuckle having an uppen and ca-lower pivot bearing on the corresponding protruding; ends of. said king pin, a brake post near said king pin and having a protruding upper bearing end; the combination therewith .of *adividing T'fitting having an inlet inl-dtsistem,- asupporting restriction fitting secured to'onetof. the arm outlets of said T fitting, bores leading lubricant from. said supporting fittingato. the kingpin bearing, a second restriction fittinginthe end of the brake post, a conduit connecting .theother arm of said T fitting with saidlattenfitting. and passageways in said brake post delivering lubricant from said second restriction fitting .to the bearing surface thereof.

feedingthe bottom of said annular'chamber'and said annular chamber being closed below said inlet so as to cause all lubricant from said inlet to ilow upwardly therethrough to said elevated part.

30. In a vehicle having a pivot member, a device pivoted thereon, and having a bearing; the combination therewithofaalubricant inlet adjacent said pivotmember, continuous passageways extending from said inlet-through the structure of the pivot member to substantially the upper end of said pivot member, said passageways'affordingarestricted course for the lubricant-from said inlet, andmeansforconveying the lubricant by: gravity-from the upper 'endofthe pivot member to the bea'ring'of the device pivoted thereon.

31; In a vehicle having afixed :kingpin l pivot member, a knuckle pivoted thereon, a'fi'xed brake post pivot member and a brake lever pivoted on the-latter; the combination therewith of a lubricant inlet adjacent said king pin and said brake post, passageways extending from said inlet through the structure of the pivot members to substantially the upper ends of said king pin and said brake post, said passageways afiording a restricted flow controlling dividing course for the lubricant from said inlet, and means for conveying the lubricant by gravity from said upper ends to the bearings of the respective pivoted members.

32. A lubricant distributing system comprising a branch conduit system in which the branches are axially aligned and in which the main conduit leading thereto is at an angle to the branches and a filler pin placed in said aligned branches and extending upon either side of the place of junction with the main conduit, the length of the pin on either side of the place of junction being so regulated as to assure a proper division of lubricant between the branches.

33. A lubricated king pin construction includ ing elements of the upper and lower king pin bearings and a thrust bearing, said construction comprising an axial bore through the king pin, a standpipe in the upper portion of said bore spaced from the Walls of said bore and forming an annu-i lar chamber, the lower end of said standpipe closely fitting said bore to preventlubricant from flowing downwardly between the bore and the standpipe, a radial inlet bore extending from the outside of the king pin to the bottom ofsaid annular chamber and radial outlet passages below said annular chamber, said radial outlet passages being supplied from the interior of the stand-- pipe and adapted to supply thethrust bearing and the lower king pin bearing, said construction including means to supply lubricant to said inlet bore, lubricant being supplied to the interior of said standpipe from said annular chamber.

34. A lubricated steering knuckle arrangement comprising an eye, a king pin keyed therein and extending above and below said axle eye, a clevis jaw steering knuckle encircling and extending beyond the protruding ends of the king pin and caps enclosing the open lower and upper portions of the clevis structure, the lower of said caps being provided with an opening to the atmosphere, said king pin being provided with an inlet and with a bore therethrough feeding lubricant to the lower portion thereof encircled by the clevis jaw, said opening in the lower cap permitting venting so as to assure flow of lubricant downwardly through the bearing surface between the lower'end of the king pin and the lower encii'cling part of the clevis.

35. In a motor-vehicle, a king pin a knuckle pivoted upon the king pinand carrying a' knuckle control bearing, a brake post, a brake lever hub pivoted upon said brake post, a brake cam stud shaft bearing on said knuckle, a conduit system for supplying lubricant to the brake post and king pin in parallel and another conduit. system for receiving part of the lubricant supplied to the king pin and supplying it in series to the brake cam stub shaft bearing and to the knuckle control bearing. p

36. In a. motor vehicle, an eye, a king pin keyed within said eye and providedwith a bearing portion projecting above and below the eye, an axial bore in said king pin, an inlet to said axial bore at the axle eye, a chamber at the top of said king pin adapted to receive lubricant from said axial bore, a brake control mechanism having a bearing on said knuckle and a conduit from said chamber to said control bearing, the kingpin bearing portions being supplied directly from said chamber.

37. A lubricated motor vehicle comprising an eye, a king pin keyed within said eye and having its bearing portions protruding above and below said eye, a clevis jaw steering knuckle encircling the protruding ends of said eye, lubricant receiving chambers above and below said king pin, an axial bore in said king pin, an inlet to said axial bore at the axle eye, said bore being provided with outlets at its upper end to the upper king pin bearing portion and at its lower .end to the lower king pin bearing portion, the upper chamber being supplied directly from the axial bore and supplyingthe upper king pin bearing and said lower chamber being supplied indirectly by the lubricant which has flowed through the lower king pinbearing from the axial bore.

38. In a lubricating system, a support, a spindle bolt mounted in the support, a brake-stud bearing mounted in the support, a lubricant conduit in the spindle bolt,,a lubricant conduit in the brake-stud bearing, athird conduit connecting the first-named conduits to form 'a U-tube, and means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube.

39. In a lubricating system, a support, a spindle bolt mounted in the support,.a brake-stud bear ing mounted in the support, a lubricant conduit in the spindle bolt, a lubricant conduit'in the brake-stud bearing, a third conduit connecting the first-named conduits to form a U,-tube, means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube, and an additional bearing supplied with lubricant when the U-tube overflows. 40. In a lubricating system, a support, a tubular spindle bolt mounted in the support, a stand pipe mounted in the tubular spindle bolt and having a portion of less diameter than the interior diameter of the bolt to form an annular chamber, a brake-stud bearing mounted in the support and having a. longitudinal lubricant passageway, and a conduit'connecting the annular chamber about the stand pipe with the passage way in the brake stud bearing to form a U-tube. 41. A lubricating system comprising a support, a spindle bolt mounted in the support and having upper and lower bearings, a brake-stud bears ing mounted on the support, a. U-tube structure having its open upper endsterminating adjacent the upper spindle boltbearing and the brakestud bearing respectively, means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube structure, and means for supplying lubricant from said U-tube structure to the lower spindle bolt bearing when the former overflows.

42. A motor vehicle having a king pin fixed therein, a brakepost fixed therein, said king pin and said brake post having longitudinal lubricant conveying passages therein of small effective lubricant containing volume, a longitudinal passage through said axle communicating at its ends respectively with the longitudinal'passages of said king pin and said brake post, a lubricant inlet in said .axle communicating with said axle passage, and flow restriction means in said axle passage governing the division of lubricant from said inlet respectively to the king pin and to the brake post, the brake post, the king pin and the axleeach. having a rod longitudinally of said passages and nearly filling the same. I

43. In a motor vehicle, a steering knuckle hav ing a pivot mount including an upper bearing and a lower bearing, a thrust bearing sustaining said axle upon said lower bearing, a bore passing lubricant longitudinally of said pivot mount to said thrust and lower bearing, an inlet at the said inlet to "and through said spaced bearing elements to conduct lubricant from said inlet to said bearing elements and. cylindrical means substantially filling said bores and serving to control the distribution of lubricant and division thereof to said spaced bearings without causing sufficient-restriction to interfere with said distribution. j

45. A lubricated king pin construction having an axial bore-therethrough extending substantially the entire length-thereof and a cylindrical filler pin extending through said axial bore substantially from end to end thereof and substantially restricting the same. i

'46. In a lubricating system for a structure in- "cluding: a support, a plurality of substantially vertical adjacent pivot pins carried by said support and protruding therefrom and encircling bearing elements on the protruding portions of saidpins, the combination of bores through the pivot pins and support forming a U-tube having the open ends of its legs adapted to supply lubri cant to respective bearings, and means for supplying lubricant to the Utube.

' 47. In a lubricating system for a structure including a support, a plurality of j substantially Vertical adjacent pivot pins carried by said support and protruding upwardly therefrom and encircling bearing elements on the protruding portions of said pins, the combination of axial bores through the pivot pins and a lower connecting borethrough the support forming a conduit structure having its upper ends terminating adjacent respective bearings to supply a lubricant thereto and inte'rmediately provided with an inlet, said bearings being on approximately the at'a lower level than ried by said support and protruding therefrom and encircling bearing elements on the protruding portions of said pins, the combination of bores through the pivot pins and support form'- ing a conduit system having open upper outlets supplying lubricant to respective bearings and intermediately provided with an inlet, means for supplying lubricant to. the conduit system and a third bearing at a lower level supplied with lubri cant when lubricant overflows said outlets, said system having an intermediate portion at a lower level than said upper outlets.

49. In a lubricating system, the combination with two bearings, of a U-tube having the open ends of its legs adapted to supply lubricant to respective bearings, means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube, a third bearing at a lower level supplied with lubricant when lubricant overflows the U-tube, and an additional bearing supplied with excess lubricant from the third-named bearing.

50; In alubricating apparatus, two bearings at substantially the same level, a U-tube structure having the upper ends of its legs terminating adjacent respective bearings to maintain a'lubricant level, means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube, a third hearing at a lower levelsupplied with excess lubricant when lubricant overflows the U-tube, and an additional bearing supplied with lubricant from the third named bearing.

51. In a lubricating system, a support, a tubular spindle bolt mounted in the support, a stand pipe mounted in the tubular spindle bolt and having a portion of less diameter than the interior'diameter of the bolt to form-an annular chambena brake-stud bearing mounted in the support and having a longitudinal lubricant passageway, a conduit connecting the annular chamberabout the stand pipe with the passageway in the brakestud bearing to form a U-tube, and means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube.

52. A lubricating system, comprising a support, a spindle bolt mounted in the support and having upper and lower bearings, a brake-stud bearing mounted on the support, a U-tube structure having its open upper ends terminating adjacent the upper spindle bolt bearing and the brake-stud bearing respectively, and means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube structure.

53. A lubricating system comprising a support, a spindle bolt mounted in' the support and having upper and lower bearings, a brake-studbearing mounted on the support, aU-tube structure having its. open upper ends terminating adjacent the upper spindle bolt bearing and the brake-stud bearing respectively, means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube structure, means for supplying lubricant from said U-tube structure to the lower spindle bolt bearing when the former overflows, a tie rod bearing, and means for supplying lubricant from a spindle boltbearing to the tie rod bearing when the level in the former exceeds a predetermined point.

54. A lubricating system comprising asupport, a spindle bolt mounted in the support andhaving upper and lower bearings, a brake stud bearing mounted on the support, a U-tube structure having its open upper ends terminating adjacent the upper spindle bolt bearing andthe brake stud bearing respectively, means for supplying lubricant to the U-tube structure, means for supplying lubricant from said U-tube structure to the lower spindle bolt bearing when the former overflows, a

55. A lubricating systemnomprising asupport, a spindle bolt mounted in the support and having upper andlower bearings, a brake stud bearing mounted on the support, a U-tube structure having its open upperends terminating adjacent the upper spindle bolt bearing and the brake-stud bearing respectively, means for supplying lubricant to the U -tube structure, means for supplying lubri cant from said U-tube structure to thelower spindle bolt bearing when the former overflows, a tie-rod bearing, means for supplying. lubricant from a spindle bolt bearing to the tie-rod-bearing when the level in the former exceeds a predetermined point, a drag link bearing, and means for supplying lubricant from .the upper spindle bolt bearing to the. drag linkbearing when the U-tube structure overflows.

56. In a. lubricating system, a support, a knuckle, a spindle bolt' having a bearing in the knuckle and mounted in thesupport and formed with a recess, a brake stud bearing mounted on the support, a passageway in the support, a tapered plug with a conduit therein, said plug being seated in the recess inthe spindle bolt, a lubricant supply passage in the support, means of communication between the supply passage and the conduit in said plug, means of communication between the conduit in the plug and the spindle bolt bearing, and means of communication between the lubricant supply passageway in the support and the brake stud bearing. I

57. In a vehicle having a support, a knuckl having a pivot mountonsaid support, a brake actuating mechanism having a bearing on said knuckle, and a' steering actuating bearing externally carried by said knuckle and positioned below the bearing of said brake actuating mechanism; thecombination therewith of-a lubricating installation comprising an :inlet carriedby the support, passageways conducting said lubricant into the pivotal mount to lubricate the same, and overflow conduits from said pivotal mount'leading to said brake bearing and from said brake bearing to said steering bearing. I

58. A king pin construction adapted to have its protruding ends serve as pivotal bearings and-received within the upper and lower clevis-jaws of a steering knuckle, and also adaptedto be encircled by a thrust bearing between the upper and lower clevis jaws, said king pin having a central .bore extending from the upper end thereof to .radialbores serving as aninlet to the bottom of the inlet chamber. and the other radial bores being positioned at-the' thrust bearing and at the lowerpivotal bearing to-convey lubricant which hasloverflowed 'intc the-central bore from the annular chamber-respectively into the thrust bearing and .the lower king pin bearing.

JOSEPH BIJUR. 

